When a custody battle heads to court, both parties want to present the strongest case possible.
However, the court is there to determine a custody situation that is in the best interests of the child – not to determine which party is the better parent. To keep this in perspective and to present a strong case to the court, keep in mind how you, your former significant other, and any other witnesses will testify regarding the following:
Your ability to cooperate and be polite with the other parent.
The court does not want to hear that you are bringing up past arguments or you are having heated conversations in the presence of your child.
Your flexibility in parenting time and parenting styles.
The court does not want to hear your judgment on how the other parent is terrible because there is more or less discipline in the other parent’s household, or that you are unreasonably withholding parenting time because you disagree with the other parent.
Your level of respect for the other parent’s time with the child.
The court does not want to hear that you have scheduled all of the child’s activities during the other parent’s time or that you are continually calling to “check in” to see how the child is doing.
MOST IMPORTANT:Your goal to make it all about the child.
The court is there to decide custody based on what is in the best interest of the child. The court does not want to hear about petty arguments or that you continually make negative statement about the other parent in front of the child. The court wants to hear that every action you take and every decision you make is for the benefit and well-being of your child.
Each custody case is different.
The court will always prefer to hear of two parents doing their best to work together versus two parents battling over every little issue. Always consider how your actions and statements will play out in a courtroom, and always act in the best interest of your child.